My only regret with the Chimes is that I didn’t join sooner. Instead of four amazing years, I only gave myself three.
When I joined this student newspaper, I did it because of my brother, the person who got me into journalism in the first place, and Dr. Dina Lentsner, who told me I need to follow my passions outside of the Conservatory of Music.
When I stayed with the Chimes, it was because of the people and true passion I found loomed large amongst its members.
I spent my first year as a reporter looking up to the amazing leadership and work of Shirleeah Pasco, Anthony DiCerbo, Ava Boldizar, Parken Brown and, of course, Callie Urbanic. They all showed what journalism and quality truly meant and it lit a fire in me to keep chasing their example.
Now, I look forward to a career in journalism, ideally non-profit journalism. I want to write articles that serve people through the thorough and meticulous manner in which I approach my reporting now.
I’ll be honest–during my first year on staff, I was not the best staffer. I constantly asked for extensions, I made excuses and worst of all I phoned an article in (if you know which one… no you don’t).
Even so, with an albeit unfounded sense of confidence, I applied to be Editor-in-Chief and next thing I knew, I oversaw an entire news organization.
18-year-old me, entering as a music composition student, would never have guessed by the time he graduated he would be a nationally award-winning journalist leading the best collegiate newspaper in the state of Ohio. But that’s what happened.
The only reason this was possible is because of the management team I had with me:
First and foremost, the incredibly talented and calm Samaree Perkins. This woman is an absolute force to be reckoned with and I am unbelievably excited to see where her career takes her.
Next, my layout partner Ariana Herrera, who I have now spent altogether too many hours of the night working on building the print issues. She is unwieldy blunt and honest, someone whose opinion I’ll always value.
Without Emily Parrett, none of our articles would be published to the same quality and standard that we have been able to achieve through her hard work and attention to detail. She is one of the most reliable and talented writers and editors I have met.
Tatiana Sullivan has been the heartbeat of our presence on the web and a voice of reason and calm in our newsroom. She is truly one of the most kindhearted and wonderful people you will ever meet.
Last but most certainly not least, Charlie Rinehart has been our presence and face on social media. I have had the distinct pleasure to watch Charlie learn and grow the past two years, he has become an excellent reporter, and I can’t wait to see his further progress.
Advising all of us, acting as our guide and champion, has been the spectacular Kelly Messinger. One of my greatest honors within this organization is being Kelly’s last Editor-in-Chief. Through contacting dozens of Chimes alumni, I have learned that my experience has not been singular.
For 30 years, Kelly has served as Advisor to the Chimes. In that time, she has been there for students, implementing a deep care and respect for us that has left a lasting impact on so many students. Her mentorship is something truly special. She lets us mess up and make mistakes, but is there to help us get back up and show us how to fix it. She is always available to help when we ask but never over-imposes. She will fight tooth and nail to protect us, and for that I will be forever grateful.
I would be lying if I said one of my largest motivators for success with the Chimes wasn’t to give Kelly an excellent last two years filled with excellence and awards.
To Clayton Hines and Greg Belliveau, who will replace myself and Kelly respectively, I have one large piece of advice that has been the foundation for everything I believe we have done well: set your standards of excellence as high as you can and never accept anything less. The members of this organization will always surprise you with what they can achieve when you push them to be better.